TEMECULA VALLEY H.S.: One of four Titan freshmen
that played for Coach Rich Emard at Temecula Valley H.S. • Posted one
of the best seasons in CIF history as a senior, when he was 14-2 with a
2.02 ERA and 105 strikeouts and just 22 walks in 83 innings • At the
plate, he batted .469 with 13 home runs, 12 doubles and 40 RBI • Was
named CIF Division I Player of the Year, Sunbelt League MVP and first-team
all-state • His 14 wins were a school record and more than half of
the Golden Bears’ 26 wins • Twice hit three home runs in one game
and also pitched a no-hitter against Paloma Valley to go along with two
one-hitters • Named first-team all-league a junior, when he was 9-3
with a 2.67 ERA and 82 strikeouts in 76 innings • Batted .390 with
four homers and 12 RBI • Was 6-3 with a 3.91 ERA as a sophomore to
earn honorable-mention all-league honors • Finished with a 30-9 career
record • Helped the Golden Bears to a combined 83-29 record during
his four seasons, including three league titles and an appearance in the
CIF semifinals his senior year.
PERSONAL: Born on January 22, 1982, in Torrance, Calif. • Parents
are Dale Merrell and Lori Feddock • Has two younger brothers, Chad
and Brett • Selected by the New York Yankees in the 20th round of the
2000 MLB draft • Also considered attending Cal, Loyola Marymount and
Long Beach State, but said it’s always been a dream of his to play
at Fullerton • Favorite team is the San Francisco Giants • Enjoys
Mexican food and tri-tip • Most interesting job was delivering pizzas.
